The comparison of organic, biodynamic and conventional farming in Pinot blanc and Rhine Riesling in the 2016 vintage year

This study reports results concerning the comparison of conventional, organic and biodynamic farming in a Pinot blanc and Rhine Riesling vineyard in Northern Italy. The experiment started in fall 2011, and is still ongoing. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of the farming systems on soil, vegetative-productive characteristics of the vines, and quali-quantitative parameters on the grapes and wines obtained following the conventional, organic and biodynamic production rules. The vineyard under observation is ≈ 1.5 ha in size, and was planted in 2009. The vines are trellised simple pergola with 2.80 x 0.50 m plant spacing. Each variety has two clone replicates with parcels of over 1000 m2 each, allowing for buffer areas to avoid drift issues. After 7 years of testing, the 2016 data shows superior yields with the biodynamic parcels in both varieties. This difference was significant between the conventional and biodynamic farming systems. No additional external organic matter was introduced to the biodynamic plots except an annual green manure on alternating rows that was subsequently mowed approximately in mid May. The yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) levels were lower in organic farming parcels, while not showing significant differences in the other two treatments.